US warship docks in Cambodia

(Dan Tri) - On December 16, a US warship docked at a Cambodian port for the first time in eight years, in a move that Phnom Penh said showed an improvement in relations between the two countries.

Littoral combat ship USS Savannah (Photo: US Navy).

The US Navy's USS Savannah docked at Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand for a five-day visit, according to sources. The Savannah, classified as a littoral combat ship, carries 103 crew members.

“It’s great to be back, to have the American presence back here after eight years,” the ship’s commanding officer, Daniel Sledz, told reporters briefly. A female Cambodian officer presented Mr. Sledz with a bouquet of flowers to welcome the ship to port.

Relations between the US and Cambodia have been strained over the years, with Washington concerned about China's growing influence in the country.

Since 2022, China has been funding the renovation of the Ream naval base – about 30km from Sihanoukville – a facility originally built in part with US funding.

Washington has expressed concern that Beijing could gain exclusive access to Cambodia’s naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, not far from where the Savannah docked. However, Cambodia has repeatedly said that no foreign military would be allowed to use the base.

Last week, the Cambodian government said the USS Savannah's visit to the port city of Sihanoukville was aimed at "strengthening and expanding friendship" and "promoting bilateral cooperation between." Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement noting the "positive momentum of bilateral relations and cooperation" and the "rebuilding of military cooperation" between Cambodia and the United States.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia in early June, where he held talks with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials. He also met with Cambodian alumni of US military training programs. Prime Minister Hun Manet himself is an alumnus of the US Military Academy at West Point.

At the time, the US Defense Department said Mr. Austin's discussions involved "opportunities to enhance the bilateral defense relationship in support of regional peace and security" and other issues.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/tau-chien-my-cap-cang-campuchia-20241216154547282.htm